Lakeshore Catholic Secondary School

Lakeshore Catholic

High School

Parent Handbook

The “How To” Guide to Surviving Your Child’s Grade 9 Year

Dear: Parents, Guardians, Families and Students of Lakeshore Catholic High School. We, the Lakeshore Catholic School Council, extend to you a warm and heartfelt welcome to the school year. To the students and families joining our community in grade nine, we welcome you to the exciting and challenging world of secondary education. While we are fully aware that each student’s experience of secondary school is personal and unique, we have prepared this Parent to Parent Handbook to augment information provided by our school Administration and to offer you a parent’s perspective on a variety of elements of high school life. The Parent to Parent Handbook is intended to afford quick and easy access to the most common information, regulations and policies at Lakeshore Catholic High School. We hope that this handbook will simplify your family’s secondary school journey, by interpreting an abundance of information applying to the school, identifying diversified programs offered at LC and providing a glimpse of the numerous activities in our school’s spiritual and co-curricular life. Through the information you receive from Administration and the material provided in the Grade 9 Parent Handbook, we hope that your family’s experience at Lakeshore Catholic High School will be most satisfying and rewarding. We look forward to serving you in the capacity of your Catholic School Council and we wish you the very best for a most rewarding experience at Lakeshore Catholic High School.

Lakeshore Catholic School

Council

Special Thanks to Lakeshore Catholic School Council

Thanks to DM CSC for this

NOTES:

Grade 11 and 12

In Grades 11 and 12, four types of courses are of-fered:

Workplace preparation courses prepare you to move directly into the workplace after high school or to be admitted into apprenticeship programs or other training programs in the community. Courses focus on employment skills and on practical workplace applications of the subject content. Many workplace preparation courses involve cooperative education and work experience placements, which allow stu-dents to get first-hand experience in a workplace.

University/College preparation courses are offered to prepare you to meet the entrance requirements of certain university and college programs. They focus on both theory and practical applications.

College preparation courses are offered to prepare you to meet the entrance requirements for most col-lege programs. Courses focus on practical applica-tions and also examine underlying theories.

University preparation courses provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to meet university entrance requirements. Courses emphasize theoretical aspects of the subject and also consider related appli-cations.

Note: Transfer courses will enable students who alter

their post secondary plans to move from one destina-

tion course to another (e.g.: college preparation to

university preparation).

Lakeshore Catholic High School 150 Janet St.

Port Colborne, ON L3K 3E7

(905)835-2451 Fax Number:(905)835-0434

School Website: www.lakeshorecatholic.ca

Disclaimer: If there is any discrepancy between this document and the Lakeshore Catholic Student Handbook, the contents of the Student Handbook will take precedence.

Directory

Lakeshore Catholic Secondary School

Administration

EXT EXT

Principal - Mrs. Robertson 2301

VP - Mrs.. Filice (A-K) 2303

Attendance - Mrs. Alford 2300

VP- Mr. Bartley (L-Z) 2302

Information Centre - Mrs. Brochu 2200

Main Office Mrs. Bodis 2304 Chaplain

Mrs. Masciovecchio 2306 Mrs. Brannigan 2319

Student Services - Guidance Support

Mrs. Sauer - Secretary 2307

Mrs. Hall- Custodian 2325

Mrs. Griepsma - Chair - Guidance 2310

Nurse– Mrs. Davies-(Weds.) 2317

Mrs. Capretta 2308

Resource

Mrs. Seca 2313 Student Success

ERT Resource Ms. Malcolm - 2313

Student Success - Mrs. Lenahan Ms. Recine 2309

ERT Resource Mr. Oort Resource 2311

Child & Youth Worker

Co_Operative Education

Ms. Shinners 2316 Mrs. Benko 2313

Requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Certificate

The Ontario Secondary School Certificate will be granted on request to students who leave school before earning the OSSD, provided they have earned a minimum of 14 credits: 7 Compulsory Credits -2 English, 1 Canadian Geography or Canadian History, 1 Mathematics, 1 Science, 1 Health and Physical Education, 1 Arts or Technological Education) and 7 Optional Credits Certificate of Accomplishment May be granted to students who leave school before fulfilling the Diploma or the Certificate Organization of Secondary School Courses: Types of Courses In grades 9 and 10, four types of courses are offered: academ-ic, applied, locally developed and open. Open courses are suitable for all students and prepare them for further study that will enrich their education generally. Open courses are credit-based and are counted towards diplo-ma requirements. Academic courses emphasize theory and abstract problems. They are designed to prepare students for Grade 11 and 12 university and university/college preparation courses. Applied courses focus on practical applications and concrete examples. They are designed to prepare students for Grade 11 and 12 college and workplace preparation courses. Locally Developed courses are intended for students who require a measure of flexibility and support in order to meet the compulsory credit requirements in English, mathematics, and science. Note: Crossover materials will be available for students who wish to change from Grade 9 Applied to Grade 10 Academic courses.

OSSD Requirements

In order to earn the OSSD a student must successfully complete: 22 compulsory credits including: 4 credits - English (1 credit per grade) 3 credits - Mathematics (at least 1 credit in grade 11 or 12) 2 credits - Science 1 credit - French as a Second Language 1 credit - Canadian History 1 credit - Canadian Geography 1 credit - Arts 1 credit - Health and Physical Education .5 credit - Civics .5 credit - Career Studies Additional Compulsory Credits 1 additional credit (group 1): additional credit in English, or French as a second language,** or a Native language, or a classical or an internation-al language, or social sciences and the humanities, or Canadian and world studies, or guidance and career education, or cooperative educa-tion 1 additional credit (group 2): additional credit in health and physical education, or the arts, or business studies, or French as a second lan-guage,** or cooperative education 1 additional credit (group 3): additional credit in science (Grade 11 or 12), or technological education, or French as a second language, or computer studies, or cooperative education

4 credits—Religion (one per year) 8 Optional Credits 40 Hours of Community Involvement Activities The Provincial Secondary School Literacy Test successful comple-tion

Daily Timetables

Regular Day

Period 1 8:10-9:35

Period 2 9:40-10:55

Early Lunch 11:00-11:40

Period4/5 11:45-1:00

Period 3/4 11:00-12:15 Late Lunch 12:20-1:00

Period 6 1:05– 2:20

Bus Departure 2:30

Parents & Guardians Reasons to Join the Lakeshore Catholic

School Council:

Get the inside track on what is happening at the school

Have input and give advice about decisions being made

Hear monthly updates about the new 10 classroom addition and renovations to the school

Enjoy the opportunity to volunteer at school events

Take advantage of a forum in which you can make suggestions to the Principal to improve the school

For the latest information, please visit our website: http://www.lakeshorecatholic.ca/catholic-school-council/

We are always looking for new members to join this group in order to best represent the parent community.

If interested, attend our next meeting, normally held on the third Monday of the month (excluding December

and March)

Safe Schools Teams Each school must have in place a safe school team responsible for school safety that is composed of at least one student (where appropriate), parent, teacher, support staff member, community partner, and the Principal or designate. Through the development of school level plans, which address prevention and intervention strategies, schools will implement a bullying prevention and intervention plan. Schools must also establish a monitoring and review process to determine the ef-fectiveness of their bullying awareness and prevention plans (i.e. school improvement plans). How are schools responding to bullying? Schools are responding to bullying by using progressive disci-pline. Progressive discipline helps prevent inappropriate behav-iour from escalating by promoting positive student behaviour and preventing unsafe or inappropriate behaviours at school and school-related activities. How can I tell if my teen is being bullied? There may be signs that your child is being bullied. Common signs include: changes in behaviour, attitude or appearance. They may suddenly lose money or come home with torn clothes. They may start talking about dropping out of school. Because teenagers often prefer to handle things on their own, knowing the signs can be most helpful to parents. What to do if my teen is being bullied? Listen to your child. Report the bullying. Talk to the Principal or Vice-Principal. Remain calm so you can plan a course of action with your teen. Keep an eye on your teen’s behaviour. If the bullying has not stopped, go back and talk to the Principal and discuss further steps that may be required to stop the bullying. Could my child be a bully? Tell your children what bullying is and that it is always wrong. Are there signs that one of your children is being bullied by a sibling? Investigate if your teen suddenly has more money to spend or begins to “talk tough” about other students. Bullying behaviour can develop due to major changes, losses or upsets in a teen’s life. Talk through issues positively as a family.

Period 1 Assembly Schedule Period 2 Assembly Schedule

Announcements,

Period 1 & Assembly

8:10 – 10:20

Announcements & Period 1

8:10 – 9:20

Period 2

10:25 –

11:25

Period 2 & Assembly

9:25 –

11:25

Early Lunch

Period 4/5

11:30 –

12:10

12:15-1:15

Early Lunch

Period 4/5

11:30 –

12:10

12:15-1:15

Period 3/4

Late Lunch

11:30-

12:30

12:35 – 1:15

Period 3/4

Late Lunch

11:30 –

12:30

12:35-1:15

Period 6

1:20 –

2:20 Period 6

1:20 –

2:20

Period 6 Assembly Schedule D.E.A.R. Schedule

Announcements & Period 1

8:10 – 9:20

Announcements & Period 1

8:10 –

9:30 DEAR–

9:30-9:50

Period 2 9:25 –

10:25 Period 2 9:55–

11:05

Early Lunch Period 4/5

10:30 – 11:30

11:15 –

12:15

Early Lunch Period 4/5

11:10 –

11:50 11:55-

1:05

Period 3/4

Late Lunch

10:30-

11:30

11:35-

12:15

Period 3/4

Late Lunch

11:10 –

12:20

12:25-

1:05

Period 6 & Assembly

12:20 –

2:20

Period 6

1:10 –

2:20

Lakeshore Catholic Motto

Think Clearly,

Act Wisely & Feel

Deeply

In school support for Students: School Settlement Worker Are you new to Canada or know someone who is new to Canada? Call 905 835 2451 to book an appointment Chaplain: Mrs. Brannigan Child & Youth Worker: Ms. Shinners School Nurse: Mrs. Davies

.

Peer Tutoring Program

Peer tutoring is a school run program that pairs academically struggling students with a student of expertise in a particular subject area. The peer tutoring assistance is generally conducted out of the P3 program.

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

The SHSM program allows students the opportunity to focus their learning. The SHSM program allows students the opportunity to focus their learning on a specific area or industry. If the student is successful in meeting the SHSM requirements a special designation is awarded on their Ontario Secondary Diploma. The areas or sectors currently offered at LCHS are in Arts and Culture, Construction, Environment, Energy, Horticulture and Landscaping, Hospitality & Tourism, Justice & Community Services, Manufacturing and Transportation. The SHSM program offers students the opportunity to acquire the skills and expertise that will assist them in all four of the post secondary pathways- apprenticeship, college, university and workplace. The components are area/industry specific but include required “bundled credits”, two cooperative education credits in that area, sector recognized certifications and / or training sessions, area specific “reach ahead” experiences and the earning of the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP).

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

High school is a time of discovery and growth. We encourage all students to become involved in our co-curricular activities as time allows. It is through participation in school activities that students begin to bond with their community and truly feel a part of the Lakeshore Catholic Family. We have a number of sports, clubs and activities at LCHS. Please find below a list of some of our current offerings. More are being added yearly. If you have an activity that you feel would be a fit for the students of LCHS, please contact your Student Council Repre-sentative to ask them to table the idea at their meetings.

Anime Badminton Baseball (Boys) Basketball Cheerleading (Girls) Chess Club Choir and Band Cross Country Curling Competitive Dance Drama—Onstage Eco Schools Figure Skating Football (Boys) Golf Hockey Lacrosse (Boys) Math Contest Music—Instrumental Music—Vocal

Pilgrimage Prom Committee Relay for Life Retreat Leaders Robotics Club Rowing Rugby (Girls) School Reach SCOEP Leaders Scorer/Clock Operator Slo Pitch (Girls) Ski Club SNAC Club Soccer Student Council Swimming Tech Crew Tennis Track & Field Volleyball

OUR MISSION

It is the mission of LCHS to empower its community of be-lievers to joyfully celebrate the fullness of God’s creation.

We are therefore committed to:

a mutual respect for self, others, and the environment

belief in the value and potential of all learners to expand the boundaries of their learning

the meaningful application of learning

actively responding to the learning needs of each

individual

the creation of an atmosphere that enables self-directed learning

flexibility and innovation in the use of technological tools to enhance student learning

respect for the dignity and value of work

Pathways Preparation Program - P3 P3 is an after-school help program run throughout the school year to provide direct academic support to students. In addition, the literacy preparation in the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test is instructed during P3. Teachers and staff in a variety of subject areas are available to provide academic assistance. Students also have the opportunity to receive help in study strategies, participate in Credit Recovery, participate in student tutoring programs, utilize computer access and develop interpersonal skills in a non-formal learning environment.

Student Success Program Student Success Initiative Programs attempt to engage in alternative programs and supports to improve the success rates of all students. The Lakeshore Catholic Community is committed to apply great care and consideration in reaching out to all students. Each and every student deserves whatever supports are necessary to continue along a pathway to student success. Credit Recovery Credit Recovery is a program which may be offered to a student who has completed a course but has not been successful in demonstrating achievement of the curriculum expectations to a passing level. The classroom teacher, program chair and the Credit Recovery Team can determine and develop a customized program, which would best enable the student to meet the expectations and earn credit for the course. The credit recovery program is supported and completed through Junior and Senior Success, P3 and Independent study. Connecting to College—Dual Credits (Gr. 12) In the Connecting to College program, students attend Niagara College for a half-day four times per week earning two dual college/ secondary credits. The student then has the flexibility to earn secondary school credits in an everyday half-day program at LCHS.

CATHOLIC CHARACTER

ONTARIO CATHOLIC GRADUATE EXPECTATIONS

The graduate is expected to be:

A DISCERNING BELIEVER FORMED IN THE CATHOLIC FAITH

COMMUNITY WHO

illustrates a basic understanding of the saving story of our Christian

faith

participates in the sacramental life of the church and demonstrates

an understanding of the centrality of the Eucharist to our Catholic story

actively reflects on God’s Word as communicated through the He-

brew and Christian scriptures

develops attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching

and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity and the common good

speaks the language of life... “recognizing that life is an unearned gift and that a person entrusted with life does not own it but that one is called to protect and cherish it” (Witnesses to Faith)

seeks intimacy with God and celebrates communion with God, oth-

ers and creation through prayer and worship

understands that one’s purpose or call in life comes from God and

strives to discern and live out this call throughout life’s journey

respects the faith traditions, world religions and the life-journeys of

all people of good will

integrates faith with life

recognizes that “sin, human weakness, conflict and forgiveness are part of the human journey” and that the cross, the ultimate sign of forgiveness is at the heart of redemption (Witnesses to Faith)

AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR WHO

listens actively and critically to understand and learn in light of gos-

pel values

reads, understands and uses written materials effectively

presents information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensi-

tivity to others

writes and speaks fluently one or both of Canada’s official lan-

guages

uses and integrates the Catholic faith tradition, in the critical analy-sis of the arts, media, technology and information systems to en-hance the quality of life

REFLECTIVE AND CREATIVE THINKER WHO

recognizes there is more grace in our world than sin and that hope

is essential in facing all challenges

creates, adapts, evaluates new ideas in light of the common good

thinks reflectively and creatively to evaluate situations and solve

problems

makes decisions in light of gospel values with an informed moral

conscience

adopts a holistic approach to life by integrating learning from vari-

ous subject areas and experience

examines, evaluates and applies knowledge of interdependent sys-tems (physical, political, ethical, socio-economic and ecological) for the development of a just and compassionate society

A SELF-DIRECTED, RESPONSIBLE, LIFE LONG LEARNER WHO

demonstrates a confident and positive sense of self and respect for

the dignity and welfare of others

demonstrates flexibility and adaptability

takes initiative and demonstrates Christian leadership

responds to, manages and constructively influences change in a

discerning manner

sets appropriate goals and priorities in school, work and personal

life

applies effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving,

time and resource management skills

examines and reflects on one’s personal values, abilities and aspira-

tions influencing life’s choices and opportunities

participates in leisure and fitness activities for a balanced and

healthy lifestyle

A COLLABORATIVE CONTRIBUTOR WHO

Eligibility

For incoming Grade Nine students, hours served in the summer, prior to the first semester of attendance at any Niagara Catholic secondary schools are eligible for Christian Community Service or Community Involvement Hours. If an enrolled student is interested in completing his/her Christian Community Service over the summer, or in a semester in which he/she does not take a religious education course, the student must complete a Notification of Planned Christian Community Service Form and submit it to the Program Chair: Religious Education prior to the beginning of the summer holidays or the semester the student is enrolled in the Religious Education course.

Mandatory Christian Community Service Assignment

Every Religion course has a mandatory assignment or project based on a student’s personal reflection about new learning gained from his or her Christian Community Service. Failure to complete this reflection will result in a failing grade for this assignment or project. Community involvement activity hours, mandated by the Ministry of Education as part of the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), may not necessarily follow the Guiding Principles of Christian Community Service. Although valid and important experiences, these activities will not be recognized for Christian Community Service within the Religious Education class, though the hours still may count toward the forty (40) volunteer hours needed for graduation.

Christian /Community Service at LC Secondary School

Christian Community Service Christian Community Service is a requirement of every Religious Education course from Grades 9 to12. The parameters for Niagara Catholic Christian Community Service are described in Board Policy 400.3 and its accompanying Administrative Guidelines (www.niagaracatholic.ca under Board Policies); also refer to our school website at http://www.lakeshorecatholic.com . The service one gives to the community could be of a humanitarian, cultural, or fund-raising nature. These activities will be completed during each year of secondary school in order to fulfill the diploma requirement of 40 hours for graduation. The total of 40 hours of Christian Community Service would be the minimum expectation for students. This service requires ten (10) hours per academic year of volunteer experience directly related to secondary schools’ social justice initiatives, commitment to the ministries of the local parish and unpaid help with local community agencies, institutions, and non-profit service organizations, including volunteering with the Humane Society. The principal may grant special requests. Please see Eligibility requirements below. The hours for Christian Community Service are to be completed outside regular school hours. Documentation Students will be responsible for completing all documentation according to Board requirements, in consultation with their parents. The form, Notification of Planned Christian Community Service Activities must be completed each year by the student and submitted to the student’s current Religious Education teacher. The Program Chair of Religion will verify that the identified service activity meets the criteria for Christian Community Service. Eligibility For incoming Grade Nine students, hours served in the summer,

develops one’s God-given potential and makes a meaningful con-

tribution to society

finds meaning, dignity, fulfilment and vocation in work that con-

tributes to the common good

respects the rights, responsibilities and contributions of self and

others

exercises Christian leadership in the achievement of individual

and group goals

achieves excellence, originality, and integrity in one’s own work

and supports these qualities in the work of others

applies skills for employability, self-employment and entrepre-

neurship relative to Christian vocation

A CARING FAMILY MEMBER WHO

relates to family members in a loving, compassionate and re-

spectful manner

recognizes human intimacy and sexuality as God given gifts, to

be used as the Creator intended

values and honours the important role of the family in society

values and nurtures opportunities for family prayer

ministers to the family, school, parish, and wider community

through service

A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN WHO

acts morally and legally as a person formed in Catholic traditions

accepts accountability for one’s own actions

seeks and grants forgiveness

promotes the sacredness of life

witnesses Catholic social teaching by promoting equality, democ-

racy, and solidarity for a just, peaceful and compassionate society

respects and affirms the diversity and interdependence of the

world’s peoples and cultures

respects and understands the history, cultural heritage and plu-

ralism of today’s contemporary society

exercises the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship

respects the environment and uses resources wisely

contributes to the common good

Uniform Information

UNIFORM

The school uniform is a tradition that has been part of the fabric of Catholic high schools in Ontario for over a century. Its purpose is to eliminate competition and to develop a unique school spirit. The uniform contributes significantly to school unity and pride in LCHS. The uniform supplier is Maddalena Uniforms in Welland on King Street. Students must be in full and proper school uniform from time of arrival until the end of the school day at 2:20. “All day, every day” includes spares and lunch periods. All uniform items are expected to be clean, to fit properly and to be in good repair. Students who have a medical problem affecting the wearing of their uniform must bring a signed note from a parent to a Vice Principal before classes begin. A medical note will be required for any situation requiring more than one day clearly indicating why the uniform cannot be worn. Students on field trips are expected to wear their uniform. The Principal’s decision is final regarding the interpretation of uniform regulations. BELTS Any belt that is worn must be plain black. The size of the buckle must not exceed the width of the belt and must not be distracting. BODY PIERCING The wearing of rings, studs or bars in visible body piercings such as lip, nose, tongue, eyebrow or any other facial area is prohibited as part of the uniform policy. Piercings may not be covered by a bandage or kept open with spacers. Students will not be able to attend class until all facial jewellery has been removed and approved by Administration.

Student Services Student Services is happy to help you with: Course Selection Schedule Concerns Community Service Hours Employment Opportunities Post Secondary Opportunity College University Apprenticeship SAT Testing Subject Level Information Total Credits Personal Concerns School Awards Scholarships OSAP Graduation Requirements Co-operative Education Summer & Night School

School Services Information Activities and Clubs

Lakeshore Catholic provides and extensive co-instructional program offering activities of interest to all students. There is a wide variety of athletic activities at the junior and senior level, all year round. There are also many academic, artistic and general interest activities available to our students. Some are seasonal and some run the length of the school year. Eligibility for School Team An Ontario-wide transfer policy is in effect for students planning to participate in school sports. All Ontario secondary schools are obligated to abide by this policy. Any transfer students are ineligible to participate in any athletic activity until they are approved by the local transfer committee. Transfer students must consult the Chairperson of Physical Education to determine their eligibility to play on school teams.

Welcome to Grade 9

Prior to Commencement of School: Students have the opportunity to register for the Grade 9 Phys Ed

course which runs through the month of July and fulfills the Grade 9 credit requirement for Phys Ed.

Your child should have completed an intention sheet on Career Cruising and have experienced 2 or 3 visits to LC with his/her school. An Activity Fee should also be paid once course selections are made.

In August there is an Orientation day and lunch for all Grade 9 students. On that day they will receive their timetable and have a chance to walk around the school to locate their classroom and lockers.

LUNCH: Lunch can be purchased in the cafeteria, or brought to school. We do not encourage students to leave school property during

lunch. ABSENCES OR LATES: If your child is absent or going to be late please be courteous and

call in their attendance. Please call before 8:00 a.m, 905 835 2451 ext. 2300 Messages may be left 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. nc.schoolconnects.com 1 844 287 6287

Students must check into the attendance office upon arrival to school.

If a student needs to leave school early, again a phone call from the parent/guardian or a note to the attendance department is required and the student must be signed out at the attendance office.

Grade 9 Math EQAO Testing: This testing is administered

province wide. The purpose of EQAO is to access student achievement in mathematics on a province wide scale.

CASUAL DRESS POLICY Clothing worn by students should be suitable for school and reflect the dignity and sense of morality of the total school community. Apparel must be appropriate to the learning environment. Spirit Wear Days (club or team shirts or jerseys) are usually scheduled for every Wednesday. Casual Dress Days are usually scheduled for the last Friday of each month (see calendar). The Administration reserves the right to cancel Casual Dress Days at any time. Additionally: no hats or bandanas are to be worn all clothing must be clean and in good repair students are not to wear clothing that is oversized or

immodestly undersized (e.g. low cut tops, halters, spaghetti straps and tank tops, skirts/shorts no shorter than knee-length, etc.)

clothing items that contain offensive language, messages or graphics are inappropriate (e.g. drug/alcohol endorsements offensive band logos, sexual connotations, etc.)

Aside from clothing, all other uniform expectations are in effect. Students dressed inappropriately on a Casual Dress Day will not be allowed to attend classes until the concern is corrected. COATS, HATS AND HOODS May not be worn in the school at any time. Students leaving the building for lunch should carry their coats to the door. Students returning from lunch are expected to remove their outer wear once they enter the building. Bandanas and kerchiefs are prohibited. Only uniform sweaters are permitted. All other non-uniform attire is to be stored in lockers.

FOOTWEAR Students must wear socks with their uniform shoes. The uniform shoe, including the sole, must be solid black. No other colours or logos are to be visible anywhere on the shoe. Students are not permitted to wear boots, clogs, sandals, running shoes or slippers. The uniform shoe must have a closed heel and a closed toe. If a student has a doctor’s note prescribing alternate shoes, the alternate shoes must be all black. If you are uncertain whether the style of your son’s or daughter’s shoes meets our policy, we recommend bringing the shoes in for approval by an administrator before wearing the shoes to school.

HAIR AND MAKE-UP Hair and Make-up is to be styled in a way that is not distracting or conspicuous. Only natural human hair colours/styles are acceptable. Hairstyles that reference specific cultural groups (e.g. “Mohawk”) are not acceptable. JEWELLERY Must be neat, respectable, inoffensive, non-distracting and coordinate with the school uniform. Jewellery, including spiked bracelets and necklaces, earrings, chains and ear-lobe expanders, that is considered to be a safety hazard or distraction, is not permitted.

Catholic Youth Care Workers

Youth Care Workers are available for individual and group counseling to provide support for students struggling with emotional, social or family difficulties. Crisis intervention and referral to community support services is also available when needed. The Youth Care Workers also work closely with the Student Response Team and in developing program directions of individual and/or groups of students according to their needs.

Educational Resources Lakeshore Catholic Secondary School is committed to developing the academic potential of each student. Special programming is available to students who have been previously identified as being in need of reinforcement or extension. Educational Resource Teachers are available to assist students in the Resource Room. If your child has special needs please contact Mr. Tessier or Ms. Malcolm at 905 835 2451.

Special Education Department The Special Education Department is designed to meet the needs of any student seeking support for their learning and support staff in assisting identified students. Students are supported throughout the year by Educational Resource Teachers (ERTs) or a Special Education Teacher who provide strategies to be used in programming and in assisting student learning. Working together in a partnership, parents and school personnel can ensure that all the learning needs of the student are met through ongoing communication, cooperation, active participation and a shared commitment to student success. A variety of placements are made available for exceptional students, ranging from complete integration within a regular classroom to a very specialized placement in a Special Education Class. The placement depends on the individual student needs and identification. Placement in the Special Education Class is for those students requiring a program which focuses on the development of independent living skills, job preparation skills, self-help and social skills, as well as basic literacy and numeracy skills. All identified students are assigned to an Educational Resource Teacher. This teacher will monitor the students' progress, help develop the Individual Education Plan (IEP), be a contact for parents and act as an advocate for the student. The student will meet regularly with the Educational Resource Teacher to review the IEP and any difficulties they may be having with courses. Classroom teachers will develop the IEP along with the Educational Resource Teacher. Each teacher receives a copy of the student's strengths, needs and accommodations (as identified in the IEP) at the start of the semester. Teachers work with the Special Education Department to implement the IEP. Parents will review the IEP with their son or daughter and discuss any changes with the Educational Resource Teacher. Parents are encouraged to play an active role in the development of the IEP and to keep school staff informed of any concerns they may have during the school year.

LOCKER USE

Lockers are available to students solely for the purpose of housing their academic materials, personal clothing items and any other materials needed for a successful academic day. Illegal substances, weapons or other items of a questionable or unsafe nature are strictly prohibited in school lockers. The school administration reserves the right to open and search the locker at any time, in the absence of and without notice to the student. The Principal or his designate in their sole discretion may deem it necessary for the purposes of the safety and discipline of the student body to search a locker and to remove anything found in the locker that contravenes this policy. A portion of the activity fee is a locker license fee which entitles the student to the use of a LCHS locker and lock for one school year. Only school locks are permitted. At the end of the school year students are to return that specific lock or be charged $10.00. If a combination lock is lost, another lock may be obtained from the office upon payment of a $10.00 replacement cost. Students shall not change lockers or locks at any time. The student shall not allow any other person to use the locker. Each student is held responsible for the cleanliness of the locker. The locker license is subject to cancellation at any time at the discretion of the Principal. In consideration of the school granting the locker license for the limited purposes and on the terms and conditions set out, the student releases the School Board, the Principal and any other person acting under their authority, from any claim arising as a result of the exercise of the powers of the Principal and teachers referred to in this license agreement. Students are not to post lewd or offensive materials inside their lockers and are not to deface or write on or in their lockers. Students must clear all classroom halls during the lunch periods. Students must get whatever they need from their lockers at the beginning of the lunch period. Students must wait until the posted time before returning to lockers. Students may return to their lockers when an announcement is made by the office, or five minutes before the next class. A student who arrives to class after the bell because of going to a locker between classes will be considered late.

ACTIVITY FEE

Each year in attendance at LC , students pay an activity fee of $55.00. This fee provides each student with a student ID card, an agenda, a course calendar, a yearbook, a locker and a lock rental.

KILTS Must be properly hemmed and are not to be worn more than 8 cm above the middle of the kneecap. Girls who have rolled, outgrown, cut or altered the kilt in any way will be required to wear uniform pants until the concern has been corrected. Students who wear the kilt inappropriately will lose kilt privileges. PANTS Must be in good repair, worn buttoned at the waist, and properly hemmed to the heel of the shoe just above the floor. Uniform pants that have been improperly altered (including seam splits) may not be worn until the problem has been corrected. SHIRTS All uniform shirts are to be embroidered with the school logo and are to be buttoned to the 3rd hole (or higher) from the collar. Undershirts must not be visible below the bottom of the shirt or extend beyond the sleeve. Undershirts must also be plain white with no logos or other writing. The white Oxford shirt – both short and long sleeved - designed to be worn untucked, may be worn untucked. The ‘old’ style Oxford shirt with tails must be tucked in at all times. The white polo shirt (short and long sleeved) may be worn untucked. SHORTS All uniform shorts are to be embroidered with a school logo and may be worn as part of the “summer” uniform from Sept. to end of October and April to June. The uniform shorts are not to be rolled or improperly hemmed. The school logo must be visible at all times.

SOCKS Shall be neutral in colour and are to be worn with the uniform pants at all times. Uniform tights or knee socks must be navy in colour and must be worn with the kilt at all times. Plain navy, opaque tights must be worn under the kilt from thanksgiv-ing through to mid-April as part of the winter uni-form. SWEATERS LC uniform sweaters (v-neck pullovers, sleeveless vests, cardigans and grad sweaters) can be worn during the school day. A school shirt must be worn under the sweater with the collar visible. The uniform sweater is not to worn around the waist or shoulders. TATTOOING/BRANDING Visible tattooing or branding is prohibited. Any existing tattoo must be covered by uniform cloth-ing items; no other covering is acceptable. UNDERSHIRTS Students who choose to wear t-shirts under the uniform shirt and sweater are reminded that only short-sleeved, plain white t-shirts are permitted. (‘Plain’ means without any decoration or text.) The length of the sleeve of the undershirt must not exceed the length of the uniform shirt. For exam-ple, long sleeved t-shirts are not to be worn under short sleeved uniform shirts.

Backpacks

Backpacks are not be allowed in classrooms or in travel between classes. A student may bring a backpack to school and leave it in the assigned locker for the day. Backpacks can conceal weapons and other items that we consider contraband. The congestion in the halls is only exacerbated, that is, made worse by the fact that unnecessary collisions occur due to the number of backpacks carried by students. In classrooms, backpacks on the floor increase the probability of one tripping over a backpack and causing injury. All in all, the banning of backpacks in the classroom will serve to make each person's environment safer. Of course, students are allowed to arrive to school with a backpack but when choosing your backpack for September please choose one that will fit into your locker.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

Niagara Student Transportation Services (NSTS) is a consortium between the District School Board of Niagara and the Niagara Catholic District School Board. The mandate of NSTS is to plan and manage transportation services for both Boards and to provide safe, efficient and effective transportation to the students of Niagara.

For transportation information, please visit the NSTS website at www.nsts.ca or call 905-346-0290.